Annual SECC is opportunity to give back

(Aug. 18, 2005)--It's that time of year when UTSA faculty and staff have the opportunity to give back to their favorite charities through the annual workplace giving campaign.

The State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) offers UTSA employees the choice of participating through a monthly payroll deduction or a one-time gift by cash or check. SECC gifts are coordinated by the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County.

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In 1993, the Texas Legislature created SECC, which allows employees of all state agencies and public universities to enjoy the benefit of giving to charities. This year's UTSA campaign runs Sept.1-23.

Every UTSA employee will be presented a packet of information, including a directory of eligible agencies and charities, a pledge form and an instruction sheet for online giving. SECC packets will be distributed in each office beginning the first week of September. More than 200 University Area Champions, selected by the university leadership, will help distribute the packets, answer questions about the campaign and collect the packets.

"The San Antonio community needs our help, and I am committed to supporting agencies that assist members of the UTSA family," said President Ricardo Romo. "Last year, some 15 local agencies provided direct services to more than 500 UTSA employees and their families. The San Antonio community has fully embraced UTSA, the rising star of Texas -- and this is our opportunity to give back."

"Our UTSA SECC campaign is not about how much you give -- it's about participating at any level and giving something," said Albert Carrisalez, director of external affairs and UTSA's 2005 SECC chairman. "Our goal is to reach every UTSA employee and faculty member and ensure that they have an opportunity to give back to our community. We would like to hear from you."

UTSA community members and their families who have benefited from SECC partner agency services can share their stories with the UTSA community. Contact Albert Carrisalez at (210) 458-5138, and your story will be featured in UTSA Today.